Take on the high rope challenge at Go Ape, Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton

Go Ape

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

Number of results:

Number of results: 147

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Cruise from Poole Quay to the Jurassic Coast with the Wareham Whalers Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
  2. Painting party with The Paint Club at Brew Dog Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  3. Steam to the Solent cruise & Merchant Navy Day Service

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  4. Ryde Carnival Main Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026
  5. Lymington Seafood Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Lymington

    This 10-12th July the Lymington Seafood Festival gets set to celebrate its 10th birthday. The event has grown into one of the south coasts leading food festivals with sell out crowds sampling delicious seafood, live music, the best local chefs…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026to12 July 2026
  6. Van Gogh Alive

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.

    One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Jan 2026to22 Mar 2026
  7. Cruise from Poole Quay to The Needles with the Dorset Mutineers

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  8. Steam to the Solent with Jim Splice and The Main Brace

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  9. Steam to the Solent Cruise with The Selsey Shantymen

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  10. Boomtown Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ovington, Alresford

    A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  11. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandown

    A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  12. Disney And Pixar Cars

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    New Forest

    Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!

    Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…

    Dates

    From:
    25 Oct 2025to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Simply Aston Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.

    All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.

    Carnival route …

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026
  15. Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu

    Treat Mum to the Mother of all gifts this Mother's Day; a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. You'll enjoy a gentle guided tour through the idyllic Beaulieu River Nature Reserve, ending at the Master…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    15 Mar 2026Open 13:30 - 15:00
  16. Owls by Moonlight

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday 21 & 28 February and Saturday 7, 14 & 21 March

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    14 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    21 Mar 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
  17. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Royal Isle of Wight County Show

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Northwood

    Historic county show on the Isle of Wight Get ready for a field full of fun at The Royal Isle of Wight County Show. It’s 37 acres of entertainment – from adorable animals to exciting events and hands-on activities. 

    Since 1833 the show has…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Various Opening Times
  19. Easter Archery Tournament

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Beaulieu

    Aim for Adventure! Put your skills to the test this Easter. Join New Forest Activities for a fun-filled archery tournament with a seasonal twist! Learn how to shoot a real bow and arrow, then go head-to-head in exciting Easter-themed archery games…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    29 Mar 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    31 Mar 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    2 Apr 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    4 Apr 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    5 Apr 2026Open 16:00 - 17:30
    From:
    7 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    9 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  20. Simply Japanese

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.

    Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00